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Simple Programmer Podcast

The Simple Programmer Podcast is a short podcast that is a mix of career advice, philosophy and soft skills from successful author and software developer, John Sonmez. John is the founder of http://simpleprogrammer.com, one of the most popular software development blogs, and the author of the best-selling book, "Soft Skills: The Software Developer's Life Manual." (http://simpleprogrammer.com/softskills) Geared towards a programmer or software developer audience, but contains practical advice on: Career development Entrepreneurship Fitness Finance Productivity Personal development And more... That anyone can benefit from. Each episode is between 5 and 10 minutes long with at least 3 new episodes each week.
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Now displaying: January, 2017
Jan 31, 2017

Have you ever felt like you did something very good but... You wouldn't be able to keep up with that?

A lot of software developers suffer from what we call "the fear of not being able to do it again...

A lot of developers go on big projects, they have big wins in their lives but they are afraid to give a second shot at that... Mostly, because they are afraid to fail and feel like impostors.

What do you do in cases like that? How do you overcome this fear? What is the mindset shift you need to make in order to leave this fear behind?

Soft Skills Book: http://simpleprogrammer.com/softskills
The Complete Software Developer's Career Guide: https://simpleprogrammer.com/career-guide-yt
Don't Be Afraid To Look Like An Idiot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0k68HYS1HE

Jan 30, 2017

I know it sounds crazy, but some people who call themselves programmers can barely program. Me, working on both sides, I've seen a lot of this and I have to say that this is really bad for people responsible for hiring.

That's why extremely simple programming tests are step one of any sane interview process. These tests should happen online, and the goal is not to prove that the candidate is some kind of coding genius, but that they know what the heck programming is. Yes, it's sad and kind of depressing that this is even necessary.

Said that, I see a lot of developers complaining about how coding interviews should be banned and why is the reason companies do that.

In this video I'll explain why you shouldn't be afraid of online coding tests and, in fact, start accepting reality and start preparing yourself for that.

Why Hard Developer Interviews are Good: https://simpleprogrammer.com/2010/10/06/why-hard-interviews-are-good/

Coding Interviews: What About "Online Whiteboard Tests"?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IOuvjHlpTo&index=44&list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4U4xrSdGiN9fh04NjHoNwTq
10 Steps To Learn Anything Quickly Course: http://simpleprogrammer.com/10stepstolearn
Gates Of Fire Book: https://simpleprogrammer.com/gatesoffire
Learning Algorithms: Is It Really Necessary?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJcG-6g4wA4&list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4UOmNNyVJntU3lVXalp1weU&index=7
So You Want to Become a Better Programmer? (TopCoder): https://simpleprogrammer.com/2010/04/02/so-you-want-to-become-a-better-programmer-topcoder/

Jan 29, 2017

Despite being experienced, old developers still suffer in the software development world.

There is a lot of ageism and old developers struggle to find their space. Some companies think they are too expensive and like to replace them for young developers. Other companies don't like to hire old developers for any reasons...

That's how they end up in limbo.

In this email, I received a question from an old developer saying he was overwhelmed by the environment we are living and how he could overcome these difficulties and thrive as a developer.

Old Developers Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4WZG2zPu-vAsdcFXQDIipJ_
10 Steps To Learn Anything Quickly: http://simpleprogrammer.com/10stepstolearn
Trusting The Process Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4Vy90hwBvSI06r7plMHNcss

Jan 28, 2017

Young software developers usually struggle in this world when it comes to finding guidance at such a young age.

What do you do at such young age to start your career the best way you can possibly do?

In this episode, I'll share my experience and what I would do to start my career if I were 16 today.

Fitness & Diet Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4XMOX3EyxkjHfI56rPKqtXp
The Complete Software Developer's Career Guide - GET NOW: https://simpleprogrammer.com/career-guide-yt

Jan 27, 2017

There are times in our lives when we need to negotiate with ourselves, right? Kind of...

I remember doing a video where I've talked about taking one step back in order to take two steps forward and this is kind of the same thinking here.

In this video, I'll discuss if you should take a pay cut in order to hang on to a more profitable opportunity. How should you act in cases like that? Should you do it in every opportunity?

Jan 26, 2017

Journaling is one of the most talked topics in the personal development field in these last few years. More and more, people are starting to realize how important it is to keep a track of your feelings, thoughts, etc.

Here are just a few benefits of maintaining a daily journal routine:
- Regular Writing has Mental Health Benefits
- Keeping a Journal Helps Harness Your Creativity
- Even If You Don't Do Creative Work, Regular Writing Has Practical Benefits
- Which Medium You Should Choose, and Why

So, why should you keep a journal?


How I Plan My Week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9k0OhJkjQ0

Jan 25, 2017

Everyone that wants to start a fasting diet suffer from some problems, especially when it comes to finding an optimum time where he/she can have his/her one-meal-a-day.

For those who don't know, fasting is a willing abstinence or reduction from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. An absolute fast (dry fasting) is normally defined as abstinence from all food and liquid for a defined period, usually a period of 24 hours, or a number of days. Water fasting allows drinking water but nothing else. Other fasts may be partially restrictive, limiting only particular foods or substances. A fast may also be intermittent in nature. Fasting practices may preclude intercourse and other activities as well as food.
(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasting)

So, how do you blend morning exercises with fasting till evening? What about the golden hour?

Why I Fast Until 5 Every Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAScRmlcHaE&index=2&list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4XMOX3EyxkjHfI56rPKqtXp

Jan 24, 2017

Working has been a hot topic over the years, especially in the entrepreneurship/corporate environments.

It has opened door to many professionals, especially coaching, health professionals, managers etc.

And one of the most discussed topics of this is how many hours should you work?

I see a lot of people considering themselves workaholics and saying that they should burst their asses off and other people saying that you should work moderate hours and live a balanced way of life.

So... Is there a correct answer to this question? Is there a right amount of hours you should be working?

Watch this video and find out!

My Take On Joel's Article "Developer's Side Projects" 😑: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLT0ZYo1oN0&index=50&list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4XPMBDfK_VvrCBbMa5G0Uyx
What True Freedom Really Means?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3jy_Ps-4UI&index=440&list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4XPMBDfK_VvrCBbMa5G0Uyx
Real Estate Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4VWM_cpbXXYIYSaLjiTdtA-

Jan 23, 2017

If you watch Simple Programmer you've probably heard me talking about side projects and how important they are to your overall career.

However, as you might know, side projects change according to where you are in your life and career. You can't expect to do the same thing when you're just starting out and after 10 years on the road.

So, how do side projects change according to your experience? What should you focus your attention on and what types of side projects should you invest your time on?

Watch this video and find out!

Want To Accomplish Your Goals? Become A Finisher: https://simpleprogrammer.com/2014/12/29/want-accomplish-goals-become-finisher/
John Sonmez Pluralsight Courses: https://simpleprogrammer.com/pluralsight

Jan 22, 2017

Choosing the right property manager can make or break your real estate investment, but property managers abound in every real estate market with new companies hanging out their shingle every day. How can you tell them apart when most make the same claims and provide the same services?

A good property management firm can easily become one of your greatest assets, second only to the properties that they steward on your behalf. That said, your property manager will make critical decisions on your behalf. This is why so many landlords fail at building their real estate empire: they fail to hire someone to take good care of your properties for you.

This is why it is extremely important that you do your homework during the hiring process. Choosing the right property management company must be something essential if you're a landlord.

In this episode, I'll share with you my experience when it comes to hiring the right property management company.

Real Estate Playlist For Programmers: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4VWM_cpbXXYIYSaLjiTdtA-
Simple Real Estate Investment For Programmers: https://simpleprogrammer.com/products/simple-real-estate/

Jan 21, 2017

Have you ever heard about this book?

This book was recommended to me and I must say that this is not the type of book I usually read. However, I decided to take it a shot. And I must say I really liked it.

Here is the book description, extracted from Amazon
"A New York Times bestseller―the outrageous exploits of one of this century's greatest scientific minds and a legendary American original.

Richard Feynman, winner of the Nobel Prize in physics, thrived on outrageous adventures. Here he recounts in his inimitable voice his experience trading ideas on atomic physics with Einstein and Bohr and ideas on gambling with Nick the Greek; cracking the uncrackable safes guarding the most deeply held nuclear secrets; accompanying a ballet on his bongo drums; painting a naked female toreador. In short, here is Feynman's life in all its eccentric―a combustible mixture of high intelligence, unlimited curiosity, and raging chutzpah."

Wanna know more about this book?

Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!: https://simpleprogrammer.com/mrfeynman

Jan 20, 2017

Some people have doubts about which path to follow: Web Development Or Software Development?

There are basically two different paths you can go when it comes to programming:

Web Development
Web development is the coding or programming that enables website functionality, per the owner's requirements. It mainly deals with the non-design aspect of building websites, which includes coding and writing markup. Web development ranges from creating plain text pages to complex Web-based applications, social network applications and electronic business applications.
(Source: https://www.techopedia.com/definition/23889/web-development)

Software Development
Software development is the process of computer programming, documenting, testing, and bug fixing involved in creating and maintaining applications and frameworks resulting in a software product. Software development is a process of writing and maintaining the source code, but in a broader sense, it includes all that is involved in the conception of the desired software through to the final manifestation of the software, sometimes in a planned and structured process.

So, how do you choose between the two? What can you do in order to make the right choice?

Should I Learn Design As A Web Developer?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQFX04laYjM&list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4UF3VPA5zjNk1GpMHgPbmRv&index=8
Web Development Principles: Front End Vs. Back End: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAjGmZfsh50&list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4UF3VPA5zjNk1GpMHgPbmRv&index=3
Specialization & Niching Down Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4W5SK-MGjp_KSFZF2pEMCt8
I HATE Web Development... Can I Still Be A Successful Programmer?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSLlwt49be0&list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4UF3VPA5zjNk1GpMHgPbmRv&index=5

Jan 19, 2017

Searching for jobs is always an overwhelming task for most programmers and developers.

Most of them don't know how to search for jobs and end up sending a lot of proposals, resumes etc and never end up hearing back from the employers...

What could be wrong?

In this video, I received two very important staff from Hired.com to share their experiences and talk about how developers can improve their job searching process.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS CHANNEL: vid.io/xokz
CHECK OUT HIRED.COM: http://simpleprogrammer.com/hiredsp

Jan 18, 2017

So, social media has definitely taken care of the whole web and changed the way we interact with each other in ways we've never seen before.

This can also be applied to the job searching/hiring process.

Nowadays, employers look at the social media profiles of their contestants to see how their life (off work) is. And this has serious implications when it comes to making the final decision.

In today's video, I received a question from a reader asking if it was cool to expose your life on Facebook, as it was a dangerous thing to do and how employers perceive that thing.

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS CHANNEL: vid.io/xokz
SUPPORT THIS YOUTUBE CHANNEL: vid.io/xokw
Visit: http://simpleprogrammer.com/

Jan 17, 2017

Today we are going to talk about housekeeping. Yeah... You heard me right. Today we are going to talk about housekeeping.

2016 has ended and 2017 started. We usually take this time of the year to make new resolutions and make new plans for our lives.

However, there is one thing, that is as important as making new resolutions for the new year, which is cleaning up the spaces you work/life.

You've probably heard about the importance of getting rid of old stuff and how it makes the energy flow much much better, right?

In this episode, I'll talk about the importance of getting rid of old stuff and how it can improve your productivity and life.

Being A Minimalist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oZx3SsdPUo
Getting Things Done Book: https://simpleprogrammer.com/gettingthingsdone
How I Plan My Week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9k0OhJkjQ0

Jan 16, 2017

It's 2017 and we all know what discrimination is, right?

Unfortunately, there are a lot of people that are still discriminated by their skin color, sexual orientation, the place they were born, etc.

But... how do you react if YOU are the one being discriminated in your workplace? How would you act and react to this?

In this video, I received a question from a reader asking me that he applied for several jobs but got zero responses. Some people said it was because of his name.

How do you overcome this awful situation? What can you do to show them that you're better than that?

I Literally Don't Give A Shit!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1qMtPrHoVs
Why You Shouldn't Play The Victim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRmNtlV4sOA
7 Habits Of Highly Effective People: https://simpleprogrammer.com/7habits
How To Choose Your Web Presence Name: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxNhgvu1mao

Jan 15, 2017

A lot of guys have been asking me to do a review about Cracking The Coding Interview, and the time has come.

In this video I'll tell you if you should buy Cracking The Coding Interview and why I consider it one of the best programming books ever written (even though it is above Soft Skills on Amazon).

Here is the book description extracted from Amazon
"I am not a recruiter. I am a software engineer. And as such, I know what it's like to be asked to whip up brilliant algorithms on the spot and then write flawless code on a whiteboard. I've been through this as a candidate and as an interviewer.

Cracking the Coding Interview, 6th Edition is here to help you through this process, teaching you what you need to know and enabling you to perform at your very best. I've coached and interviewed hundreds of software engineers. The result is this book.

Learn how to uncover the hints and hidden details in a question, discover how to break down a problem into manageable chunks, develop techniques to unstick yourself when stuck, learn (or re-learn) core computer science concepts, and practice on 189 interview questions and solutions.

These interview questions are real; they are not pulled out of computer science textbooks. They reflect what's truly being asked at the top companies, so that you can be as prepared as possible. WHAT'S INSIDE?
189 programming interview questions, ranging from the basics to the trickiest algorithm problems.
A walk-through of how to derive each solution, so that you can learn how to get there yourself.
Hints on how to solve each of the 189 questions, just like what you would get in a real interview.
Five proven strategies to tackle algorithm questions, so that you can solve questions you haven't seen.
Extensive coverage of essential topics, such as big O time, data structures, and core algorithms.
A behind the scenes look at how top companies like Google and Facebook hire developers.
Techniques to prepare for and ace the soft side of the interview: behavioral questions.
For interviewers and companies: details on what makes a good interview question and hiring process."

Cracking The Coding Interview: https://simpleprogrammer.com/codinginterview
Soft Skills: http://simpleprogrammer.com/softskills

Jan 14, 2017

Have you ever feel trapped living with your parents? I receive a lot of emails, especially from young software developers.

These are people that don't have how to pay for their financial independence and they are trapped in their parents' house, most can't find a way to get out of there. Sometimes, living with the parents can be the hell out of a thing and they end up suffering all this time with no chances of getting out.

So... If you're living this type of situation... What should you do? Should you put off my desire to a more opportune time? Will there ever be such a time?

Iron John Book: https://simpleprogrammer.com/ironjohn

Jan 13, 2017

There are a lot of software developers that want to become entrepreneurs.

In this channel I talk a lot about entrepreneurship, building a side project, building a blog and marketing yourself.

As you might know, marketing yourself consists of building up authority, through blog posts, books, products, etc.

However, between books and products... which one is more profitable? Which type of product should you aim if you're building your online empire?

How To Market Yourself Course: http://simpleprogrammer.com/howtomarketyourself
Soft Skills Book: http://simpleprogrammer.com/softskills

Jan 12, 2017

A lot of people, especially nowadays, have a lot going on in their lives. They have to take care of a lot of things: work, side projects, family, relationships, personal goals, health, etc.

In this video, I received a question from a reader telling me that he was overwhelmed by too many tasks... Knowing that I do a lot of things, he reached me for help.

So... What can he do in order to overcome this? How can he overcome this bad feeling and get ahead with his life?

How I Plan My Week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9k0OhJkjQ0
How To Win Friends & Influence People: https://simpleprogrammer.com/howtowin
Getting Things Done Book: https://simpleprogrammer.com/gettingthingsdone
How You Are Wasting Your Time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaZJsyybwu8
All The Books I Read In 2016: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haSer5FAy_s&list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4XPMBDfK_VvrCBbMa5G0Uyx&index=20
Creating Processes Will Free Up Your Life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pFimaY_N58
I've Just Finished My New Book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJTtMWvDWwk&list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4XPMBDfK_VvrCBbMa5G0Uyx&index=24

SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIBLE: https://simpleprogrammer.com/audiblesubs
How To Market Yourself Course: http://simpleprogrammer.com/howtomarketyourself
10 Steps To Learn Anything Quickly Course: http://simpleprogrammer.com/10stepstolearn

Jan 11, 2017

Last year, as you might remember, I've spent 3 weeks in China. This trip has added a lot to my overall experience and I came back with lots of different ideas.

I've recorded a bunch of videos talking about my experience and in one of my videos I talked about how China must become the new economic potency in the next 10 years and how the Chinese market is still unexplored by some Americans.

I also said that I wanted to learn Chinese and that it would be a great idea to learn Chinese, especially to explore this new market.

In this episode, I will tell you what would I do if I was fluent in Chinese and how we can use this unique opportunity to grow and expand.

Chinese Version Of Soft Skills: https://simpleprogrammer.com/softskillschinese
Soft Skills Book: http://simpleprogrammer.com/softskills
My Trip To China: First Impressions, Economy & The Future: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-UvhQ2THjU&list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4VxYMXa01def1HOeF4Ouf5x&index=1

Jan 10, 2017

 

So, today we are going to talk about software architects in agile scrum environments.

So, as you all know, a software architect is a software expert who makes high-level design choices and dictates technical standards, including software coding standards, tools, and platforms. The leading expert is referred to as the chief architect.

In these environments, there must be some problems with these software architects and the rest of the team.

In today's video, I received a question from a team member asking what is the purpose of these software architects in the team and why the only thing they do is to give orders...

Why they are even programmers if they don't write a single line of code?

Eating Shit: When You Have To Do Things You Don't Like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHUPkO6k2X8&list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4XRTEK79UXmtkUT-jsP4rUP&index=121

Jan 9, 2017

A lot of programmers have a really hard time trying to find a perfect niche for them to work on.

Usually, they get caught up in so many questions that they can't even see the bigger picture...

"Is my niche small?", "Is my niche profitable enough?", "I feel like there is not so many people out there in my niche", etc...

So, how do you know if you programming niche is good enough? How can you know if you made the right choice?

Specialization & Niching Down Playlist: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4W5SK-MGjp_KSFZF2pEMCt8
John Sonmez Pluralsight Courses: http://simpleprogrammer.com/pluralsight

Jan 8, 2017

So, as you know I do a lot of real estate videos and I believe real estate is one of the best investments a programmer could ever make in his/her life.

The cost is relatively low, it is not too difficult to start and, with the money we get paid, it is very easy to create a little income on the side by becoming a real estate investor.

So, I do a lot of videos about real estate for people that want to invest, but I never did any of these videos for renters.

In this video, I'll give the best tips I have for first time renters, people that plan to rent their house/apartment for the first time and feel lost on where to start.

Real Estate Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4VWM_cpbXXYIYSaLjiTdtA-

Jan 7, 2017

Guilt.

According to its definition, Guilt is the state of one who has committed an offense especially consciously OR feelings of culpability especially for imagined offenses or from a sense of inadequacy.

If you're a human being, you've probably felt guilty before and this is a very bad feeling to be felt.

Guilt can be a pain in the ass of a feeling when we want to achieve what we really want in life. We might feel guilty for a hundred reasons, family, friends, for yourself...

In this episode, I'll teach you how to deal with guilt and, most importantly, how to overcome that.

Don't Let Anyone Claim Ownership Over Your Life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOjCNkMBNRM&index=49&list=PLjwWT1Xy3c4XRTEK79UXmtkUT-jsP4rUP
"Boundaries" Book: https://simpleprogrammer.com/boundariesbook

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